Connecting Industry

14/06/2026

We’re pleased to welcome Kate Dickson, Head of National Operations & Director - Queensland for AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies), to the speaker lineup for the Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queensland on Thursday, 2 July in Gladstone.

Presenting on “Policy & Pipeline Drivers”, Kate will provide insight into the policy settings, advocacy and industry drivers shaping the future of the mining and exploration sector across Queensland and Australia.

With experience across both the private and public sectors, Kate brings a well-rounded perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing the resources industry. Working closely with industry, government and stakeholders, she plays a key role in driving outcomes that support exploration, project development and long-term industry growth.

As Queensland’s copper and gold pipeline continues to build momentum, understanding the policy environment and the broader direction of the sector has never been more important.

The Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queensland brings together project developers, explorers, industry leaders and the supply chain to discuss projects, investment, infrastructure and opportunity across the sector.

To learn more and to register. connect here: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-copper-gold-forum-queensland/

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners: CROSS APAC Group Pty Ltd, United Drilling Services, GHD Group, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA (Triple M Central Queensland & Hit CQ), Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, and the Gladstone Regional Council.

11/06/2026

Registrations are now open for the next Connecting Industry Luncheon featuring BMD Group on Wednesday, August 19 at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre. To find out more and to register, connect here: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-industry-luncheon/

As Australia’s leading integrated engineering, construction and urban development business, BMD delivers major infrastructure projects across transport, energy, resources and community infrastructure sectors.

Driven by a purpose of powering futures and creating enduring legacies, BMD continues to deliver projects that connect and transform communities while creating opportunities across construction, civil works, energy infrastructure, logistics, workforce support and regional supply chains throughout Australia.

We’re pleased to welcome two highly experienced industry leaders to the luncheon:
🔹 Colin Michell – National General Manager – Strategy, BMD Group
With more than 30 years of experience across mining, ports, defence, road and rail infrastructure, Colin leads BMD’s strategic planning and growth across the business. His extensive operational and technical background provides valuable insight into major project delivery and long-term infrastructure investment.

🔹 Cristina Muñoz – Operations Manager, Energy QLD/NT, BMD Construction
Cristina brings more than 25 years of experience delivering major projects across Australia and internationally, including Wembley Stadium in London and the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Today, she leads the delivery and growth of BMD’s renewable and future energy projects across Queensland and the Northern Territory.

This luncheon will provide valuable insight into major infrastructure and energy project delivery, industry trends and the opportunities continuing to emerge across Australia’s construction and infrastructure sectors.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners: Avis Gladstone, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA (Triple M Central Queensland & Hit CQ), Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, Gladstone Regional Council, and LinkedIn Local Gladstone and LinkedIn Local Rockhampton.

10/06/2026

Another fantastic Connecting Industry Luncheon yesterday as we brought together project developers, government, contractors, suppliers and businesses to discuss the future of Australia’s energy and resources sector.

What continues to stand out at these events is the willingness of industry to engage early, share insight and build the relationships needed to help regional businesses better position for opportunity. From renewables and battery storage through to critical minerals, coal and traditional resources, the conversation is no longer about one industry versus another, it’s about how Australia builds and supports all parts of its future energy and industrial mix.

Yesterday’s luncheon with Tilt Renewables and British Solar Renewables was a strong example of that.

Thank you to David Beavers, General Manager, Development at Tilt Renewables, who provided insight into Tilt’s growing national portfolio and the procurement pathways behind major wind and battery projects. Attendees heard firsthand about the importance of engaging early, understanding project timelines and positioning capability before construction begins.

Thank you also to Oli Dixon, Managing Director Australia at British Solar Renewables, who presented on the proposed Mackenzie River Solar and BESS Project in Central Queensland. Olli outlined the significant opportunities the project could create across civil works, electrical, accommodation, logistics, transport, site services and long-term operations, while reinforcing the importance of regional participation and community engagement.

A special thank you to Assistant Minister for Resources Senator Anthony Chisholm for joining us as guest speaker and discussing the Federal Government’s support for renewables, critical minerals and the broader resources sector as Australia continues its energy transition.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to another fantastic Connecting Industry event.

Our next Connecting Industry Luncheon with BMD Group will be held on Wednesday 19 August, with tickets opening tomorrow.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners: Commonwealth Bank, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA (Triple M Central Queensland & Hit CQ), Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, Gladstone Regional Council, and LinkedIn Local Gladstone and LinkedIn Local Rockhampton.

09/06/2026

Great conversations, genuine connections and plenty of relationship building at last night’s pre-luncheon networking event at Ward's Brewery ahead of today’s Connecting Industry Luncheon with Tilt Renewables and British Solar Renewables.

It was fantastic to see people from across the resource, construction, energy and supply chain sectors come together in such a relaxed environment to reconnect, meet new faces and continue important industry conversations before today’s event.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and helped create such a positive atmosphere. We’re looking forward to another strong turnout today as we hear directly from project leaders about the opportunities, challenges and future of the renewable energy sector in Queensland and across Australia.

See you at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre this morning.

08/06/2026

We’re kicking things off tonight at Ward's Brewery.

Ahead of tomorrow’s Connecting Industry Luncheon with Tilt Renewables and British Solar Renewables, tonight’s Pre-Networking Event is where it really starts.

Starting from 5pm, no presentations, no pressure, just a room full of people from across Queensland's supply chain, projects, and industry taking the time to connect, have a conversation, and build relationships before we get into tomorrow's luncheon.

07/06/2026

The creation of nearly 400 construction jobs is moving a step closer in the Whitsundays, with the Queensland Government declaring the proposed Whitsunday Skyway Project a Prescribed Project to help streamline approvals for the major eco-tourism development.

Planned for an area near Airlie Beach and Conway National Park, the project is expected to deliver a significant boost for the region’s construction, tourism and hospitality sectors, while creating new opportunities across the supply chain.

The proposed development includes a 1.8km cableway rising to a summit overlooking the Whitsunday Islands, along with a downhill luge attraction, hospitality and dining venues, and access to bushwalking and mountain biking trails.

According to the Queensland Government, the project is expected to attract around 250,000 visitors annually once operational.

Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie said the project represented a major opportunity for the region and Queensland’s tourism industry.

“By streamlining approvals, we’re helping the consortium get shovels in the ground sooner, creating real jobs for Queenslanders and delivering a world-class attraction that will draw visitors from around the globe,” he said.

The State Government has already committed $5 million towards the project, with the Prescribed Project declaration designed to coordinate and accelerate the approvals pathway.

Beyond the tourism benefits, the project is expected to generate substantial activity for the construction and services sector during delivery, with civil works, structural construction, transport infrastructure, electrical, mechanical, landscaping, hospitality fit-out and ongoing maintenance requirements likely to form part of the development scope.

Once completed, the attraction is expected to support around 80 ongoing operational jobs across tourism, hospitality and site management.

The Whitsunday Skyway Project remains subject to both state and federal approvals before construction can commence.

04/06/2026

We're pleased to welcome Andrew Sparke, Founder and Executive Chairman of QMines Limited, as a presenting speaker at the Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queensland on 2 July in Gladstone.

Andrew brings extensive experience across the resources sector, capital markets, corporate strategy and project development. As the driving force behind QMines Limited (ASX:QML) - Copper & Gold, he is leading the development of the Mt Chalmers copper and gold project while advancing the company's broader strategy to become Queensland's next copper and gold producer.

With copper and gold projects attracting increasing attention across Queensland, Andrew's insights into project development, investment, approvals, resource growth and the pathway towards production will provide valuable perspectives for attendees.

The forum will bring together project owners, explorers, developers, industry leaders and the supply chain to discuss where Queensland's copper and gold sector is heading and what opportunities may emerge for businesses looking to participate in future projects.

There is still time to secure your place, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-copper-gold-forum-queensland/

A limited number of sponsorship opportunities also remain available for organisations looking to showcase their business and connect directly with key decision-makers from across Queensland's copper and gold sector:https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Connecting-Copper-Gold-Forum-Queensland-Sponsorship-Prospectus-12.pdf

Join us as we explore the projects, opportunities and partnerships shaping the future of Queensland's copper and gold industry.

Thanks to our Sponsors & Partners: CROSS APAC Group Pty Ltd, United Drilling Services, GHD Group, Industry Capability Network, Jobs in Central Queensland, Vertical Horizonz Australia, Cater Care Careers, SCA (Triple M Central Queensland & Hit CQ), Corporate Protection Australia, Homeground Villages Gladstone, Central Apartment Group, and the Gladstone Regional Council.

03/06/2026

EQ Resources' project highlights the scale of work required beyond the mine itself. From civil construction, concrete, structural steel and mechanical installation through to electrical, instrumentation, controls integration, commissioning and operational readiness, the Mount Carbine expansion will require a broad range of specialist contractors and suppliers over the next 12 months.

With procurement and contracting now underway and site works scheduled to ramp up from June, businesses looking to be involved should be paying close attention to how packages are released and where opportunities emerge across the project supply chain................................................
EQ Resources Limited has approved a $39 million expansion project at its Mount Carbine tungsten operation in Far North Queensland, with works designed to remove processing bottlenecks and double crushing capacity from around 1Mtpa to 2Mtpa.

The project includes a new crushing and screening circuit, upgraded ore sorting infrastructure, earthworks, civil and concrete works, structural and mechanical installation, piping, electrical and instrumentation works, controls integration and commissioning activities.

Detailed engineering is continuing through June, with procurement and contracting to progress throughout 2026, while site works, commissioning and ramp-up are scheduled between June 2026 and February 2027.

Full plant acceptance and performance testing is targeted for March 2027, creating ongoing opportunities for contractors, suppliers and service providers across multiple disciplines.

Courtesy of Industry Queensland.

Connect for full story:

Far North Queensland tungsten producer EQ Resources has pressed 'go' on a $39 million expansion project at Mount Carbine.

03/06/2026

A big thank you to the Commonwealth Bank for supporting next week's Connecting Industry Luncheon as our Venue Sponsor.

As Queensland continues to attract significant investment in renewable energy, resources and major infrastructure projects, access to finance, capital, banking services and business support plays an important role in helping businesses grow, invest and participate in these opportunities.

Whether it's supporting small businesses, contractors, manufacturers, professional services firms or major project delivery, Commonwealth Bank works with businesses across Australia through a broad range of banking, financial and business solutions designed to help organisations operate and grow with confidence.

We are pleased to have Commonwealth Bank supporting our upcoming luncheon featuring Tilt Renewables and Solar Renewables, where attendees will gain insights into renewable energy project development, investment, procurement pathways and opportunities emerging across the sector.

With major energy projects continuing to shape Queensland's future, events like this help connect industry with the people, projects and opportunities driving investment across the state.

Registrations are still open, but seats are filling quickly: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-industry-luncheon/

02/06/2026

Green & Gold Minerals is emerging as one of Queensland's more active explorers, advancing a portfolio of copper, gold, silver and critical minerals projects across North Queensland.

With drilling now underway at the historical Copper Hills mining district and exploration continuing across multiple targets, Connecting Copper & Gold Forum Queendsland attendees will hear firsthand how the company is applying modern exploration techniques to uncover new opportunities in some of the state's most prospective mineral regions. To earn more about the forum, connect here: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/connecting-copper-gold-forum-queensland/

Connect here for full story: https://www.connectingindustry.com.au/revisiting-queenslands-forgotten-copper-fields-green-gold-minerals-chases-new-opportunities/

Some of Queensland's oldest mining districts are attracting renewed attention as explorers revisit historical workings with fresh thinking, modern technology and a completely different view of what makes a project valuable. Green & Gold Minerals is doing exactly that at Copper Hills near Herberton,....